Santa's Whiskers

When I start thinking holiday, I think cookies. My absolute favorite cookie is:

Santa’s Whiskers

It is a shortbread dough mixed with pecans, coconut and candied cherries. They seem only okay the first day (or two) but after the flavors mellow they are delicious. The dough can be made ahead and frozen into logs, then sliced and baked at your convenience. We usually give these as teacher gifts.

Dough Needs To Chill at least two hours.
When ready to bake, Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

1 Cup Butter, softened
2 1/2 Cups All-purpose Flour
1 Cup Sugar
2 Tablespoons Milk
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 Cup Candied Cherries, finely chopped
1 Cup Pecans, finely chopped 1 Cup Coconut

Beat butter until whipped, add about 1/2 the flour, the sugar, milk and vanilla. Beat until thoroughly combined. Stir in remaining flour. Stir in cherries and pecans. Shape into two 8-inch rolls. Roll in coconut.

Wrap in waxed paper and chill for 2 to 24 hours.

Cut into 1/4 inch slices. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets in a preheated 375 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are golden. Enjoy.